PEARL RIVER- Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R) is warning customers about a fraud scheme crooks use to steal money from victims. The scammers pose as O&R employees and threaten disconnection of utility services unless an immediate payment is made.
According to O&R, crooks are posing as utility employees and are calling unsuspecting customers. The scammers inform the customer that their O&R account has been suspended for non-payment and that an O&R crew will be at their home in 15 minutes to disconnect their electric service. They then demand an immediate payment by prepaid debit card.
Customers who have challenged the crook’s report about the fraudulent bill, saying that they checked their account balance online during the phone call, are dismissed as incorrect. The crooks then renews the demand for immediate payment until the customer agrees to pay or hangs up.
O&R reminds customers that they do not accept prepaid debit cards as a form of payment and do not conduct immediate disconnections of any customer.
If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, or have been contacted by scammers, O&R encourages you to contact law enforcement.
